Jerry Kiernan's 'stroke politics' claim in relation to the government's €600,000 grant for the Ruislip development has been rebuked by London senior football manager Paul Coggins.

It was joined announced by the Government and the GAA on Monday that London will receive the grant as part of the Emigrant Support Programme and it will go towards the €5m redevelopment of their headquarters at Ruislip.

Former Irish Olympian Kiernan has criticised Enda Kenny & Co for handing over taxpayer's money to the 'richest Association in the country' and Roscommon native Coggins has expressed his amazement at the outburst.

"I know of Jerry Kiernan growing up and he was a fantastic ambassador for Irish sport. I have the height of respect for him as an athlete but I think he's wrong," the Exiles' manager told the Irish Daily Star.

"It's not a well thought out statement. Give it (the grant) to us, don't begrudge us and wish us well as we wish everyone else well in whatever sport they compete in.

"Why would the government not support their exiles? They are people who have supported our home country for many year and helped it regenerate.

"And when they had the gathering last year that wouldn't have happened without people coming from far and wide.

"I think he has his own agenda. We are competing with other sports over here and as emigrants we are trying to make sure we keep the games going as everyone keeps telling us."

Coggins added: "I'd be quite amazed, staggered anybody would be criticising our exiles getting a few pound to try and better themselves.

"We help the economic climate at home when we can and do our best while in exile.

"We are going to raise a lot of money ourselves. It's great Croke Park are funding it, a fine decision. It's been a long time coming." Tweet

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